Addison Trail names March recipient of 88’s Best recognition

Fernando Padua III (pictured at right, with Addison Trail Principal Jack Andrews) has been named as Addison Trail’s March recipient of 88’s Best recognition for his outstanding work in the performing arts/electives. Padua, a senior, was recognized during the March 21 District 88 Board of Education meeting. To watch his 88’s Best presentation, click on the video above.

Padua grew up in Addison and attended Army Trail Elementary School. His mom worked as a teacher aide there, and Padua saw firsthand all the hardships and dedication teachers go through for their students, which ignited his passion to become an educator. Padua said he was very shy in middle school and often went straight home after the last bell rang. He always did well in school, but regrets not getting more involved. As a result, he made it his mission to get involved in high school and venture outside of his comfort zone. Padua also shared that first and foremost, his parents are his biggest influences.

“They did their absolute best to give me a wonderful childhood, despite all the hardships they had,” Padua said. “My dad started his own business after coming to this country at 17 years old, and my mom got a job and worked endlessly without having a college degree. They support me and always lead me in the correct direction for what I want in my future. Of course, my teachers also played a big role in getting me to where I’m at today. All the way from my elementary days to now, I thank every teacher who has pushed me to be better.”

Academic and extracurricular achievements:

• Named as an All-State Musician by the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) (applied and was accepted to be part of the Future Music Educators Seminar, which is meant for students who plan to pursue a career in music education)
• Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) Honor Society (vice president)
• Named as AT’s Best
• Named as the Math Department’s Student of the Semester
• Named as a State Scholar
• Named to the Distinction Honor Roll
• Earned the State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish

Involvement at Addison Trail:

• Band (band officer)
• Shades of Blue (choral group)
• Theatre (president)
• National Honor Society (NHS)
• Student Council (sergeant at arms)
• Key Club
• Yearbook (student life and photo editor)
• Pay It Forward, an event to help incoming freshmen adjust to high school (core director)
• Class of 2022 Sponsors (president)
• Blazer Ambassadors
• International Dance (leader)

Community involvement:

• Volunteer at the Addison elementary schools with events such as holiday celebrations or field days
• Waiter at Taco’Bout It in Addison

Future plans:

• Padua plans to study choral music education. He also would like to add something with theatre within his degree.
• Padua said he gets his love for music from his grandfather, who started his own band in Mexico.
• Padua is in the audition process. He has been to Ithaca College and Southeast Missouri State University and also plans to audition at University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Wright State University and American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).

Staff member comments:

“Padua is an incredible human. He is actively involved in so much at school, yet he makes you feel like the work for your class is the priority. Nothing is ever a chore, because he takes pride in everything he does. Padua is someone you want on your team; he always works for the greater good. Even though he has only worked on the yearbook for a year, he adapts quickly and wants to learn. He really is an incredibly kind, genuine, funny and hardworking person.”

- Jessica Clark, Addison Trail English teacher and yearbook adviser

“It was a pleasure to teach Padua in my Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level U.S. History class during his sophomore year. He was engaged on a daily basis, his work was exemplary and he took the lead on many class activities. He was a mentor to his peers who were struggling and took advantage of opportunities to better himself in the class. Padua is the type of student you wish you could have in your class every year.”

- Brendan Lyons, Addison Trail Social Studies Department Head

“Padua is in honors band, choir and AP music theory. He also serves in several leadership positions. He has a quiet, lead-by-example demeanor, which the other students look up to in all of his music classes. Padua is a consistent performer, who doesn't always seek the spotlight, but does excel when the spotlight shines on him. Recently, Padua was recognized by the Illinois Music Education Association as a Future Music Educator. To earn this distinction, Padua was required to submit a video résumé of his musical achievements and why he would like to be a music educator. He was then invited to the Future Music Educators Seminar during the Illinois Music Education Conference, along with 47 other students from throughout the state, to participate in three days of intensive panel discussions and hands-on professional development experiences to prepare him for the next steps in his career. The Music Department would like to congratulate Padua on his achievements and looks forward to seeing where his music journey will take him.”

- Mark Corey, Addison Trail Music Department Head

“Padua joined our theatre program as a freshman and participated mainly in crew. It wasn't until his sophomore musical, ‘Rock of Ages,’ when he discovered his love for performing on stage. Since then, Padua has been one of our strongest leaders, always advocating for the arts. He models what it means to work hard on and off stage, he models professional attitudes for underclassmen and he models what it means to be a thespian.”

- Anna McSweeney, Addison Trail English teacher and Theatre Director

 “This year, Padua was a co-student director for our annual Pay It Forward event for incoming freshmen. This day cannot be successful without the core student leaders, and the core leaders rely on the leadership of Padua (and his co-student director) to support them, model for them, assist in organizing the day and being part of our leadership team. Padua brought the energy, leadership and commitment to Pay It Forward.”

- Jorge de Leon, Addison Trail social worker

• District 88 values the hard work and achievements of students and wants to make sure students are honored and recognized for their accomplishments. The District 88 Board of Education and administration created the 88’s Best award to highlight students’ success. That award recognizes nine Addison Trail and nine Willowbrook students each school year for reaching their personal best in various areas. Recipients are honored during a District 88 Board of Education meeting in one of the following areas: academics, highly improved performance, extracurricular activities, service work or performing arts/electives. They receive an 88’s Best glass sculpture and a certificate to a local restaurant.